Guidelines for the Centrally Sponsored Scheme National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET) to be implemented during the XII Plan.

Transcription

1 Guidelines for the Centrally Sponsored Scheme National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET) to be implemented during the XII Plan. 1. GENESIS: 1.1 Agricultural Technology, including the adoption/ promotion of critical inputs, and improved agronomic practices were being disseminated under 17 different schemes of the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation during the 11 th Plan. The Modified Extension Reforms Scheme was introduced in 2010 with the objective of strengthening the extension machinery and utilizing it for synergizing the interventions under these schemes under the umbrella of Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA). NMAET has been envisaged as the next step towards this objective through the amalgamation of these schemes. National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET) consists of 4 Sub Missions: (i) Sub Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE) (ii) Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP) (iii)sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) (iv) Sub Mission on Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine (SMPP) ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 1

2 1.2 While four separate Sub-Missions are included in NMAET for administrative convenience, on the ground these are inextricably linked to each other. The common threads running across all 4 Sub-Missions are Extension & Technology. Seeds, pesticides and machinery are three important agricultural inputs whose technological and economic significance needs to be disseminated to all the farmers through efficacious extension machinery. However, besides the core component of ensuring easy availability of these key inputs (i.e. Seeds, Pesticides and Machinery) at reasonable prices, there will be a subject specific capacity building element built in the latter three Sub-Missions as well. Agricultural extension and technology have to go hand in hand and that is the genesis of the National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology. 2. The aim of the Mission is to restructure & strengthen agricultural extension to enable delivery of appropriate technology and improved agronomic practices to the farmers. This is envisaged to be achieved by a judicious mix of extensive physical outreach & interactive methods of information dissemination, use of ICT, popularisation of modern and appropriate technologies, capacity building and institution strengthening to promote mechanisation, ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 2

3 availability of quality seeds, plant protection etc. and encourage the aggregation of farmers into Interest Groups (FIGs) to form Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). 2.1 SMAE: Sub-Mission on Agricultural Extension will focus on awareness creation and enhanced use of appropriate technologies in agriculture & allied sectors. Gains made in the past will be consolidated and strengthened through increased penetration of extension functionaries. Personnel trained under Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres Scheme (ACABC) and Diploma in Agriculture Extension Services for Input Dealers (DAESI) will also provide extension services to the farmers. Use of interactive and innovative methods of information dissemination like pico projectors, low cost films, handheld devices, mobile based services, Kisan Call Centres (KCCs) etc. will be used and convergence brought among extension efforts under different programmes and schemes at village level through the institution of ATMA (Agriculture Technology Management Agency) and Block Technology Teams (BTTs). 2.2 SMSP: Adoption of quality seeds is the most cost effective means for increasing agricultural production and productivity. The interventions included in the Sub-Mission ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 3

4 will cover the entire gamut of seed chain from nucleus seed to supply to farmers for sowing and also to the major stakeholders in the seed chain and also provide for support for infrastructure to create an enabling environment for development of the Sector. SMSP also envisages strengthening of Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) in order to put in place an effective system for protection of plant varieties, rights of farmers and plant breeders and to encourage development of new varieties of plants. 2.3 SMAM: There is a strong co-relation between farm power availability and agricultural productivity. Therefore, Sub- Mission on Agricultural Mechanization will focus on farm mechanization. The Sub-Mission will mainly cater to the needs of the small and marginal farmers through institutional arrangements such as custom hiring, mechanization of selected villages, subsidy for procurement of machines & equipments, etc. 2.4 SMPP: Sub-Mission on Plant Protection included in NMAET envisages increase in agricultural production by keeping the crop disease free using scientific and environment friendly techniques through promotion of Integrated Pest ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 4

5 Management. Strengthening and Modernization of Pest Management Approach aims at this vital aspect of Plant Protection and also covers regulatory requirements of pesticides. The component on Strengthening & Modernization of Plant Quarantine facilities in India is regulatory in nature with the aim of preventing introduction and spread of exotic pests that are harmful to crops by regulating/restricting import of plant/plant products. Monitoring pesticide residues in food commodities and environmental samples is also included in this Sub-Mission. The component on National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM) will promote environmentally sustainable Plant Health Management practices in diverse and changing agro-climatic conditions, pesticide management, and Bio-security through capacity building programmes. Farmers skill trainings and field extension as contained in all 4 Sub Missions of NMAET (Viz. SMSP, SMAE, SMAM and SMPP) will be converged with similar farmer-related activities going on through ATMA. Fivetiered modes of extension carried out in broadcast or interactive electronic modes will also cut across extension activities in all the four Sub Missions. Mutually synergetic linkages will be established among various activities instead ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 5

6 of unilaterally mandating that all such farmer-centric activities will be carried out through ATMA. 3. LINKAGES BETWEEN DIFFERENT SUB-MISSIONS: 3.1 Farmers skill trainings and field extension as contained in all 4 Sub Missions of NMAET (Viz. SMSP, SMAE, SMAM and SMPP) will be converged with similar farmer-related activities going on through ATMA. Five-tiered modes of extension carried out in broadcast or interactive electronic modes will also cut across extension activities in all the four Sub Missions. Mutually synergetic linkages will be established among various activities instead of unilaterally mandating that all such farmer-centric activities will be carried out through ATMA. 3.2 Process Flow for Action Plans encompassing capacity building programmes included in all the four Sub-Missions: Strategic Research and Extension Plan (SREP) is a comprehensive document prepared at the district level identifying research/ extension priorities for district, keeping in mind agro-ecological conditions and existing gaps in technology generation and dissemination in all agriculture and allied sector areas/ activities including in the area of Seeds, Mechanization, Plant Protection. The gaps in all farmer centric trainings and field extension in respect of other Sub-Missions of NMAET would also be included in the SREP. SREPs will be prepared in coordination with the line departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Panchayati Raj ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 6

7 Institutions (PRIs), Private Sector, farmers and other stake-holders at the district level. ILLUSTRATIVE LIST OF FARMER CENTRIC TRAININGS AND FIELD EXTENSION SMSP SMAE SMAM SMPP Seed Village Programme Farm Schools, Demo Plots, Trainings, Exposure Visits Capacity Building by Institutions identified by the State Government Pest Monitoring (including Pest Scouts), FFSs, IPM Training to Farmers Similar training & field extension related components in other programmes of DAC and State Governments will also be implemented through ATMA. Funds earmarked for such activities under different Sub-Missions of NMAET, Missions & Schemes / Programmes will be utilized through ATMA. Similarly, ATMA funds also will be suitably used to cover training & field extension objectives / activities of other Sub-Missions, Missions and Schemes / Programmes. Manpower under ATMA will be effectively utilized for extension related activities under various Sub-Missions. Some other field activities (e.g. Pest Scouts) can also be performed by extension under workers under ATMA. State Extension Work Plan (SEWP) will contain proposals on farmer centric activities cutting across all Sub-Missions. Such convergence arrived at through SREP / SEWP will avoid duplication and ensure wider coverage in terms outreach to farmers and gamut of activities. Such convergence at the grassroots level will also provide correct focus on nature of activities to be covered under different extension activities. Five Tiered Modes of Awareness Campaign (TV, Newspapers, Booklets, KCC, Internet, SMS) will also be used for disseminating information or providing services under all schemes and programmes pertaining to agriculture and allied sectors (including various Sub-Missions of NMAET. ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 7

8 Technical, legal, administrative & regulatory functions and other components (not related to farmer centric extension) will continue to be discharged independently under the respective Sub-Missions. Detailed guidelines of each of the four Sub-Missions are included in subsequent chapters. 4. STRUCTURE OF THE MISSION: The respective Sub-Missions may also higher level monitoring and supervisory bodies. 4.1 A National Level Steering Committee of the Mission chaired by Secretary (Agriculture) For the effective implementation of the National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET), a Steering Committee would be constituted and notified. The members of the Committee would be - Secretary (A&C), DAC Chairperson Addl. Secretary (Extn.), DAC Vice Chairperson ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 8

9 Additional Secretary (Seeds), DAC Member Additional Secretary (M&T), DAC Member Additional Secretary (PP), DAC Member AS&FA, DAC Member Advisor, Planning Commission _ Member Joint Secretary (Extn.), DAC Member Joint Secretary (Seeds), DAC Member Joint Secretary (M&T), DAC Member Joint Secretary (PP), DAC Member DDG (Extn.), ICAR Member DDG (Crops), ICAR Member DDG (M&T), ICAR Member DDG (PP), ICAR Member Director (Extension) Member Secretary Terms of Reference: The Committee will be policy making body giving overall directions and guidance to the Mission. The Committee will act as an Empowered Committee and will decide inter-component changes among Sub-Missions. Review the performance of NMAET at least once a year. ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 9

10 Chairperson will have the power to co-opt, invite other official members. 4.2 The Joint Secretary (Extension) would be the Mission Director for NMAET to ensure that it is implemented effectively and expeditiously and convergence among all Sub-Missions is achieved. The Mission Director, NMAET will coordinate with all the Sub-Mission Heads (respective Joint Secretaries) to look after all inter Sub-Mission issues including compilation of reports, convergence at farmer level through SREP & SEWP etc., replies to integrated issues / matters / questions on NMAET. 4.3 Overall in-charge of each of the Sub-Mission will be the Joint Secretary concerned of the respective Sub-Mission. However, convergence of farmer centric extension related activities will be overseen by the Extension Division through the instrumentality of SEWP. Mission Director, NMAET also will help in bringing about synergies among various Sub Missions. 4.4 Executive Committee on different Sub-Missions will be headed by the respective Joint Secretaries to oversee the activities of the Sub-Mission and to approve the State Work Plans. 4.5 An expanded IDWG headed by the APC or Principal secretary (Agriculture) at State level (after including all Sub-Missions related officers) and ATMA Governing Board at District level will monitor and will be accountable for the effective implementation of the Mission. There will be an Implementation Committee under the chairmanship of the Commissioner / Director (Agriculture) and consist of officials and nonofficials pertaining to various Sub Missions. ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 10

11 4.6 Guidelines of each of the Sub-Mission will also enumerate the Coordination Committees and other Committees for effective implementation of the programmes at State Level. ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 11

12 Sub-Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE) 1. Background and Strategy: 1.1 SMAE: Restructuring and strengthening of agricultural extension machinery has to be a judicious mix of extensive physical outreach of personnel, enhancement in quality through domain experts & regular capacity building, interactive methods of information dissemination, Public Private Partnership, pervasive & innovative use of Information & Communication Technology (ICT) / Mass Media, Federation of groups and convergence of extension related efforts under various schemes and programmes of Government of India and the State Governments. The objective of this Sub-Mission is to appropriately strengthen, expand and upscale existing Extension & Information Technology (IT) Schemes. The ongoing Extension Schemes include the Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes being implemented by the Extension Division/Directorate of Extension. Even in the case of Central Sector Schemes which are proposed to be subsumed within the Mission, a greater role has been envisaged for the States through their active involvement in planning, implementation and monitoring. The 11th Plan Schemes included the following:- A. Centrally Sponsored Schemes 1. Support to State Extension Programme for Extension Reforms 2. National e-governance Plan - Agriculture ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 12

13 B. Central Sector Schemes 1. Mass Media Support to Agricultural Extension 2. Agri Clinics & Agri Business Centres (ACABC) 3. Extension Support to Central Institutes 4. Strengthening/Promoting Agricultural Information System including Kisan Call Centres (KCC) ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 13

14 II. Support To State Extension Programmes For Extension Reforms (ATMA Scheme) ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 14

15 2. Support To State Extension Programmes For Extension Reforms (ATMA Scheme) 2.1. INTRODUCTION: Extension Reforms in India were pilot tested in 28 Districts in 7 States from 1998 to This successful experiment served as a basis to launch the Scheme Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms in the year It was revamped, expanded and strengthened comprehensively in the year Coverage of the scheme was increased in a phased manner. It is currently operational in 639 districts and the remaining rural districts are also proposed to be covered. The 12th Plan Approach Paper identifies several challenges faced by the agricultural extension and also gives suggestions to deal with the same. Some of these include integrating Krishi Vigyan Kendra s (KVKs) problem solving skills and the feed-back they provide to State Agriculture Universities (SAUs) and National Agriculture Research System (NARS) with ATMA and strengthen district level planning; using technology to reach out to the farmers, raising capability of rural poor to conserve and manage their livestock and fisheries resources and derive sustainable incomes; link small farmers to markets; promote decentralized participatory research as well as knowledge intensive alternatives in rain-fed regions. 2.2 AIMS and OBJECTIVES: ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 15

16 2.2.1 The Scheme Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms aims at making extension system farmer driven and farmer accountable by disseminating technology to farmers through new institutional arrangements viz. Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) at district level to operationalize the extension reforms on a participatory mode This Scheme shall focus on the following key extension reforms: Encouraging multi-agency extension strategies involving Public/ Private Extension Service Providers. Ensuring an integrated, broad-based extension delivery mechanism consistent with farming system approach with a focus on bottom up planning process. Adopting group approach to extension in line with the identified needs and requirements of the farmers in the form of CIGs & FIGs and consolidate them as Farmers Producer Organisations; Facilitating convergence of farmer centric programmes in planning, execution and implementation. Addressing gender concerns by mobilizing farm women into groups and providing training to them. The above objectives shall be met through strengthened institutional arrangements, dedicated manpower, Innovative Technology Dissemination component and revamped strategy as described in para 2.3 below. 2.3 STRATEGY ATMA component will be implemented through the institutional mechanism as detailed below: State Level: ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 16

17 (i) The State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) set up under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) is the apex body to approve State Extension Work Plan (SEWP) which will form a part of the State Agriculture Plan (SAP). In those cases where SLSC meeting cannot be held in time or there is any other administrative reason, SEWP can be approved by the Executive Committee of SMAE the recommendation of Inter Departmental Working Group (IDWG). (ii) The SLSC will be supported by the Inter Departmental Working Group (IDWG) which is responsible for day-to-day coordination and management of the Scheme activities within the State. (iii) The State Nodal Cell (SNC), consisting of State Nodal officer, State Coordinator, State Gender Coordinator and supporting staff will ensure timely receipt of District Agriculture Action Plans (DAAPs), formulation of State Extension Work Plan (SEWP) duly incorporating farmers feedback obtained through State Farmer Advisory Committee (SFAC) and its approval by the SLSC. The SNC will then convey the approval and monitor implementation of these work plans by State Agricultural Management & Extension Training Institutes (SAMETIs) and ATMAs. The SAMETIs will draw-up and execute an Annual Training Calendar for capacity building of the Extension Functionaries in the State. While doing so, the SAMETI will check duplication and overlapping of training content, training schedule, and trainees themselves District Level: ATMA is an autonomous institution set up at district level to ensure delivery of extension services to farmers. ATMA Governing Board is the apex body of ATMA which provides overall policy direction. ATMA Management Committee is the executive body looking after ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 17

18 implementation of the scheme. District Farmers Advisory Committee is a body to provide farmers feedback for district level planning and implementation. With dedicated staff provided for the ATMA, it will continue to be the district level nodal agency responsible for overall management of agriculture extension system within the district, including preparation of Strategic Research and Extension Plan (SREP). The process flow for formulating Action Plans has been described in para 2.6 below Block Level: The Block ATMA Cell consisting of Block Technology Team (BTT) (a team comprising officers of agriculture and other allied departments within the block) and Block Farmers Advisory Committee (BFAC) (a group exclusively consisting of selected farmers of the block) will prepare the Block Action Plan (BAP) and provide necessary extension support within the Block in its execution Village Level: (i) The Farmer Friend (FF) will serve as a vital link between extension system and farmers at village level (one for every two villages). (ii) Agri-entrepreneurs, Diploma holders in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers (DAESI), Input Dealers and extension workers in non-governmental sector will supplement the efforts of extension functionaries. (iii) Commodity Interest Groups (CIGs), Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) and Food Security Groups (FSGs) will serve as a nodal point for information & technology dissemination among its members. (iv) Farm Schools will serve as a mechanism for farmer-to-farmer extension at every Block. ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 18

19 2.4 The organizational structure at various levels has been depicted in the following diagram: NABARD (Subsidy) Prasar Bharati (Mass Media) DAC/DOE NeGP/STATES SERVICE PROVIDER/ BSNL/ CONSULTANTS(KCC) State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC)/ IDWG MANAGE/EEIs/ SAUs/ICAR (HRD/ACABC/ DAESI)/ EXHIBITIONS F U N D F L O W SAMETI & SAU/ICAR Institutes District Training Centre, KVK & ZRS Block Technology Team State NodalCell ATMA (GB & MC) Block ATMA cell State Farmers Advisory Committee District Farmers Advisory Committee Block Farmers Advisory Committee W O R K P L A N Agri-Entrepreneurs Farmer Friend Farm Schools CIGs, FIGs, FSGs, FARMERS 2.5 The following Committees shall be set up at various levels. State Level: (i) Inter- Departmental Working Group (IDWG) (ii) SAMETI Executive Committee (iii) State Farmers Advisory Committee (SFAC) ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 19

20 (DFAC) District Level: Block Level: (i) ATMA Governing Board (ii) ATMA Management Committee (iii)district Farmers Advisory Committee (i) Block Technology Team (BTT) (ii)block Farmers Advisory Committee (BFAC) The composition, functions and mandate of these Committees have been given at Annexures 1(a) to (f). 2.6 Process Flow for Action Plans: SREP is a comprehensive document identifying research/ extension priorities for district, keeping in mind agro-ecological conditions and existing gaps in technology generation & dissemination in all agriculture and allied sector areas/ activities including Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries. All extension related activities under other Sub-Missions of NMAET (viz. SMAM, SMPM and SMPP), will naturally form part of SREP. SREPs will be prepared in coordination with the line departments, NGOs, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Private Sector, farmers and other stake-holders at the district level. ILLUSTRATIVE LIST OF FARMER CENTRIC TRAININGS & FIELD EXTENSION UNDER OTHER SUB-MISSIONS OF NMAET TO BE IMPLEMENTED THROUGH ATMA SMSP SMAE SMAM SMPP Seed Village Programme Farm Schools, Demo Plots, Trainings, Exposure Visits Capacity Building by Institutions identified by the State Government Pest Monitoring, FFSs, IPM Training to Farmers ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 20

21 Similar training & field extension related components in other programmes of DAC and State Governments will also be implemented through ATMA. Funds earmarked for such activities under different Sub-Missions of NMAET, Missions & Schemes / Programmes will be utilized through ATMA. Similarly, ATMA funds also will be suitably used to cover training & field extension objectives / activities of other Sub-Missions, Missions and Schemes / Programmes. Such convergence arrived at through SREP / SEWP will avoid duplication and ensure wider coverage in terms of outreach to farmers and gamut of activities. Various Action Plans shall emanate from SREP as follows: These SREPs are Five year vision documents which shall be revisited to accommodate newly identified gaps and emerging areas of importance. SREPs will form the basis for formulation of Block Action Plans (BAPs) on an annual basis. Block Action Plans are then consolidated at the District level to prepare the District Agriculture Action Plans (DAAPs). District Plans are worked out in such a manner that these serve as subset of the Comprehensive District Agriculture Plans (CDAP) prepared for the District under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). The DAAPs will be consolidated in the form of State Extension Work Plan (SEWP) which then forms a part of State Agriculture Plan (SAP). 2.7 COMPONENTS OF THE SCHEME: Specialist and Functionary Support at various levels: The component of manpower support has been further strengthened to accelerate implementation of ATMA Scheme in Mission mode during ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 21

22 12 th Plan. It is has been decided to re-designate the Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs) as Assistant Technology Managers (ATMs). Subject to an average figure of 3 Assistant Technology Managers (ATMs) per block has been envisaged in place of 2 SMSs per block provided so far Cafeteria of Activities: Optional items form the ATMA Cafeteria from where the States can choose activities as per its priorities. The Cafeteria also contains mandatory components which include manpower, training of extension personnel, organization of Farmers Advisory Committees, Farmer Friends, joint visits with scientists, low cost publications etc. Annexure-III (a) Innovative Technology Dissemination Activities: Use of interactive & innovative methods of information dissemination like Pico Projectors, low cost films, hand held devices, mobile based services etc. and other innovative extension approaches (e.g. Kala Jatha/ street Play) are included as mandatory activities placed at Annexure-III(b). These should be implemented as per the details given in para 3.4 below Increasing Coverage of Activities, Inclusion of New Activities and Infrastructure Support: Funds available under RKVY can be used to supplement extension activities undertaken under this Scheme which has provisions for the same under the 12 th Plan [para (f) of Annexure-C1 and Para 9 of Annexure-C2 of RKVY Guidelines, 2014]. Targets under SMAE have had to be curtailed due to financial constraints, though ideally a broader coverage is needed to ensure efficacious and sustainable interventions. For example, funds under ATMA for Display Boards at village level have ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 22

23 been provided for 45% villages only. Similarly, hand-held devices (tablet PCs) are to be provided under same for implementing Farm Crop Management System (FCMS) in only 200 districts. More villages / districts for the aforesaid activities can be covered under RKVY. Similarly, other programmatic interventions like National Food Security Mission, National Horticulture Mission also have some components relating to agricultural extension which could be used in a convergent manner under the scheme. Indicative activities which can be taken up under RKVY scheme, if the State so desires, is given at Annexure III (c). 2.8 SPECIALIST & FUNCTIONARY SUPPORT: Extension related manpower is proposed at three levels viz. State, District and Block level. Specialist and functionary support eligible under the scheme is given at Annexure II (a). Roles and responsibilities of extension related manpower provided under this Scheme is given in Annexure-II (b), and abstract of number of posts, eligibility and qualification, remuneration (enhanced considerably in case of contractual functionaries), etc. at Annexure II (c) Hierarchical structure of officials under SMAE (including ATMA and NeGP-A) is as follows: State Level: (i) State Nodal Cell: the State Nodal Cell (SNC) will consist of State Nodal Officer, State Coordinator, Gender Coordinator and supporting staff. In order to carry out State level activities, as specified in ATMA Cafeteria, and to ensure convergence with various departments at State level and to assist the State Nodal Officer (i.e. Director / Commissioner of Agriculture) in overall management of agricultural extension system within the State, one State Coordinator has been approved for each ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 23

24 State/ Union Territory. The State Nodal Officer (SNO) shall be designated by the State Government, which will also provide requisite Ministerial support. The State Coordinator is to be engaged on contract basis under this Scheme. The functions of State Coordinator and Gender Coordinator are given in Annexure-II (b). The Gender Coordinator will perform the functions as per the Annexure-II(b) to safeguard the interest of women famers. The Gender Coordinator will share all gender related findings and strategies with the State Coordinator and will function under the overall supervision of State Coordinator, and the State Coordinator under the overall supervision of State Nodal Officer. (ii) SAMETI: In order to ensure regular training and skill upgradation of State and District / Block level extension functionaries and for reaching out to the grass root level extension functionaries and farmers through field visits, the following manpower is provided for SAMETI in each State. Director, SAMETI shall work under the overall guidance of the State Nodal Officer identified under ATMA scheme. However, in cases where the State Nodal Officer is not an officer of equivalent or higher rank than Director, SAMETI, may work under the overall guidance of the officer under whom State Nodal Officer is placed. The Faculty Members (Deputy Directors) of SAMETI shall report to Director SAMETI. The duties of Director SAMETI/ Faculty are given in Annexure-II (b). The overall staff position at State level is given below. Posts State HQ. SAMETI Total ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 24

25 State Director Dy. Accountant Computer Staff No. Coordinator Director / Clerk Programmer of + Blocks Gender Coordinator < > District Level: Each ATMA Unit consisting of the following core staff of five persons, under the overall supervision of PD, ATMA, will be responsible for management of agricultural extension services within the District including holding of regular meetings of ATMA Management Committee (MC) and ATMA Governing Board (GB): (i) Projecst Director - 1 (ii) Deputy Project Directors - 2 (iii) Accountant cum Clerk - 1 (iv) Computer Operator - 1 The Project Director ATMA shall report to the Chairman, ATMA GB and also function as Chairman of ATMA Management Committee. The two Deputy PDs would work under the administrative control of PD, ATMA. The duties & responsibilities of PD & Deputy PD Accountant cum Clerk and Computer Operator are given at Annexure-II (b) Block Level: (i) One Block Technology Manager (BTM) is provided in each Block to co-ordinate the ATMA related activities of the BTT and BFAC. BTM ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 25

26 will work under the overall supervision of the BTT Convener for all ATMA related activities at the Block level. (ii) On an average three Assistant Technology Managers (ATMs) are to be placed in each Block (2 to 4 depending on size of the Block) exclusively for delivery of extension services in agriculture and allied sectors as per priority areas for various Blocks. (a) In N.E. states and other hilly States viz. H.P., J&K, and Uttaranchal, the number of ATMs deployed per block should be as follows: Blocks having upto 5000 farm households and the area of the Block being upto 800 sq. km, 2 ATMs. would be deployed. However if the area of the Block is more than 800 sq.km, 3 ATMs could be considered; (b) In all other States Blocks having upto farm households and the area of the Block being upto 1000 sq. km, 2 ATMs. would be deployed. However, if the number of farm household/ Block exceeds and the area of the block is more than 1000 sq.km, the deployment of ATM can go up to 4. All other Bloks will have 3 ATMs. However, average figure of more than 3 per state will need to be concurred by the Government of India, so that overall country average does not exceed 3. The areas of expertise (i.e. Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries etc.) of these ATMs will be decided based on priorities for various Blocks. These ATMs shall be provided requisite connectivity and mobility to perform the requisite functions. The duties of BTMs and ATMs are given at Annexure II(b). (c) Block level and District level manpower available under various schemes will be pooled for regular coverage of groups of Villages / Panchayats for extension related expertise. However, domain ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 26

27 expertise of various extension personnel in a Block / District will be suitably used to ensure all-round outreach to farmers. (d) Panchayat-wise roster giving the name and mobile number of the extension worker s availability on the pre-decided days (giving day of a week / fortnight etc.) will be displayed on a Board at vantage points in various villages. This Display Board will also contain contact details of other agricultural functionaries of the area. 2.9 MODE OF RECRUITMENT AND REMUNERATION: (i) The BTM and ATMs at Block Level will be engaged by Project Director (PD), ATMA on contract basis through a mechanism identified by the States. BTMs and ATMs should be preferably below 45 years of age, as their work involves extensive travel/ field activities. While, the ATMs will remain under the administrative control of BTM, the BTM will work under administrative control of PD, ATMA. However, some States may prefer to link the BTM & ATMs with PD, ATMA through the Block Development Officer (BDO), if activities of Agriculture and allied departments are already being coordinated by the BDO at Block level. (ii) The posts of State Coordinator, Gender Coordinator, BTM & ATM at Block level and Computer Programmer/ Computer Operator (at State & District Level) are to be filled on contract basis with lump-sum remuneration. An annual increase of 10% in emoluments of BTMs, ATMs and computer operators has been provided for such employees who continue in their employment for one year beyond All other posts may be filled by deputation/ secondment / appointment for the scheme period or such other mode ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 27

28 as the State Government may deem appropriate. In the rare administrative exigencies that the State Government deems appropriate, regular vacancies of the level of Deputy Directors in the SAMETIs, Deputy Project Directors in ATMAs and Accountantcum- Clerk also may be filled on contractual basis. However, Project Directors and Director (SAMETI) should in no case be deployed on contractual basis. Contractual employees (against regular vacancies) may be paid gross emoluments not exceeding the following ceilings: (i) Deputy Director, SAMETI: Rs (ii) Deputy Project Director, ATMA: Rs (iii) Accountant-cum-Clerk: Rs % increase per annum will be given after completion of one year of service (to the satisfaction of the State Government) from the date of fixation of emoluments as per revised norms. Such contractual appointment against regular vacancies is only an interim arrangement till the time these vacancies are filled using any other mode indicated above. The contractual staff should be preferably engaged through an agency identified by the State in view of the long term ramifications of hiring contractual staff directly. The States should ensure that enough publicity through newspapers is given before engaging contractual manpower and selecting service providers / placement agencies (for giving manpower). It must be ensured that only genuine/ reputed service providers are selected by a competitive bidding process. Bidding parameter will be profit margin that a bidder is quoting over and above the gross aggregate emoluments of all the persons of various categories which are proposed to be hired through a bid process. ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 28

29 The State Government should also be invariably involved in the selection of candidates even if they are engaged through a private service provider. The selection process should be transparent and it should be ensured that an Excel Sheet containing list of all applicants is provided by the placement agency before shortlisting the eligible candidates. Online applications must also be enabled so as to get access to database. Candidates need to be called for written test / interview only in the order of merit based on academic excellence & experience as per a pre-determined formula. It must be ensured that employees get the emoluments stipulated in these Guidelines by insisting on payment by cheque to them. The contractual staff will also be eligible for getting benefits of EPF, ESIC as admissible from time to time as per prevalent laws & instructions and / or options exercised by the stakeholders concerned. Service Tax, statutory dues and contractor s margins are to be indicated separately under the expenses shown for manpower component. While renewing the contract, the State Government should ensure that the existing/experienced contractual manpower is retained and the contractor does not terminate their services without assigning any reason. Satisfaction of the Agriculture Department of the State at an appropriate level will be the determining factor regarding continuation of persons after initial period of deployment. The States may also follow any procedure prevalent in the State for hiring contractual staff directly. The persons already hired and working as Block Technology Managers or Assistant Technology Managers at earlier emoluments ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 29

30 of Rs and 5000 respectively may be allowed to continue at higher emoluments after carrying out a screening process by way of performance review by the State Agriculture Department. Resultant vacancies due to weeding out of non-performers and new vacancies may be filled as per the procedure given in the foregoing paragraph. Note: 1. It is clarified that higher amounts to existing contractual employees have to be paid only after performance review and screening on the lines described above. 2. The amounts listed above are upper ceilings and the State Government are advised to fix remunerations accordingly. However, the State Government may pay lesser amount in order to keep parity with similarly paid employees in other departments / organizations. If, for reasons to be recorded in writing, the candidates for various posts with prescribed qualifications as given at Annexure-II (C) are not available, the qualifications may be relaxed by the IDWG subject to ratification by the SLSC under intimation to the Government of India SUPPORT FOR INNOVATIVE ACTIVITY AT VILLAGE LEVEL (FARMER FRIEND): (i) It is necessary to identify and groom progressive farmers (including women farmers) with requisite qualification (Senior Secondary/ High School) & experience as Farmer Friend (FF),one per two census villages. In case of non-availability of progressive farmers ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 30

31 with requisite qualifications, at some places, a progressive farmer, with required oral and written communication skills, may be considered. Only experienced and achiever farmers (say, with an age of more than 40 years or so, as the State Government may deem appropriate) are to be designated as Farmer Friends. Farmer Friend will lead by example and is expected to have up-graded skills and would be available in the village to advice on agriculture and allied activities. The Farmer Friend will be identified by BTM on a resolution of Gram Panchayat (GP), which will, in turn, consult CIGs /FIGs working in the Panchayat area. (ii) Farmer Friends will be provided with special opportunity for upgradation of skills through trainings, study tours and visits to SAUs / other institutes, by utilizing support available under ATMA. `6,000 per Farmer Friend per year will be shared equally by the Centre and the State to meet contingency expenditure which FF incurs towards discharge of his duties, including incidental expenses incurred on acquisition of knowledge. The States may decide on a higher fixed amount of more than `6,000/- per annum for Farmer Friend. However, contribution of the Government of India shall not exceed `3,000/- per Farmer Friend per year. (iii) Since Farmer Friends provide a vital link between public extension system and farmers at village level, it is essential to select experienced, progressive and practicing farmers who are not looking forward to this task as an alternative means of livelihood. It has been noticed that in some States, unemployed youth farmers with little expertise have been designated as Farmer Friends. Consequently, they start looking at it as an employment opportunity in the State Government in the long run. Such employment was never envisaged under the scheme. In fact, the small sum of ` 6,000/- per annum has been ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 31

32 provided to the Farmer Friends to meet contingent expenditure for assisting fellow farmers. It should not be perceived as remuneration ATMA CAFETERIA: III. CAFETERIA OF ACTIVITIES (i) Some additional / new activities and revised unit costs for a few existing items in the 11 th Plan, as indicated in bold and italics, have been included in the Cafeteria of Activities as given at Annexure-III. The Cafeteria provides support for State, District and Block level activities. Support for Innovative Technology Dissemination interventions is also provided under the scheme. The States may choose locally suitable activities from the Cafeteria (Annexure- III(a) in keeping with priorities of the states, whereas Support to Innovative Technology Dissemination components given at Annexure III (b) are essential components to be included in the SEWP by the states (ii) Expansion in Coverage: RKVY funding can be resorted to as per para supra and indicative list is at Annexure III ( c) State Level: (i) Infrastructure Support: Infrastructure support was provided for upgrading State level training institutions such as SAMETIs till The cafeteria does not provide for this support from the year However, enhanced training requirements will put pressure on infrastructure in the existing training institutes. Some of these institutes may need to construct additional training facilities and procure necessary equipment. If the states desire to upgrade their training infrastructure further, RKVY funding may be accessed for the same. ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 32

33 (ii) Human Resource Development (HRD): DAC has strengthened a network of training institutions in the country by supporting the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) at Hyderabad; four Regional Extension Education Institutes (EEIs) at the Regional level and the State Agricultural Management & Extension Training Institutes (SAMETIs) at the State level which will provide necessary trainings to the ATMA functionaries and other concerned officers of the States. (iii) Other Activities: The Cafeteria also supports organization of Agri- Exhibitions, Regional Fairs, Krishi Expos, rewards and incentives for exemplary extension work, farmer awards and monitoring and evaluation of the Scheme including review workshops, Induction and Refresher Training of ATMA staff, quality resource material development, documentation of success stories, etc. at State level District / Block Level: District / Block level activities are further categorized in three groups namely: (i) Farmer Oriented Activities; (ii) Farm Information Dissemination; (iii) Research-Extension-Farmer (R-E-F) linkages (iv) Innovative Technology Dissemination activities Some of the activities under the cafeteria have been categorised as mandatory activities which have been given in the remarks column of the cafeteria. (i) Farmer Oriented Activities include development of SREP, mobilization of farmer groups, women food security groups, training/ exposure visit of farmers, arranging demonstrations, all aimed at empowering farmers and improving their participation in technology dissemination process. ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 33

34 (ii) Farm Information Dissemination, local level agricultural exhibitions, low cost publications, information dissemination through printed materials, and development of technology packages in electronic form are covered. (iii) Research-Extension-Farmer (R-E-F) linkages based activities include organization of Farmer-Scientist Interaction at local level, joint visits by scientist and extension personnel for which substantial financial provision has been made in the cafeteria, organization of Field-days and Kisan Goshties and support for local level researchable issues which emanate from SREP. (iv) Innovative Technology Dissemination (ITD) Interventions include production of low cost films and public viewing of the same using Pico Projectors, Display Boards, use of Hand Held Devices for Farm Crop Management System (FCMS) and dissemination of information, innovative methods of extension such as kala jatha, certified crop advisor, etc. and quality resource material development. The details of the activities are given at para 3.4 below. 3.2.CAFETERIA GUIDELINES: Earmarking of Funds: The mandatory activities indicated in the Cafeteria should invariably form a part of the State Extension Work Plan. Administrative Expenditure including TA/DA, hiring of vehicles and POL and operational expenses at District / Block level shall not exceed the amount provided for in the cafeteria. Financial allocation has been made specifically for the conduct of BFAC, DFAC, and joint visits of Scientists & Extension Functionaries under the cafeteria. The States should compute their budgetary requirements for mandatory activities, cafeteria activities as per State s priorities, manpower support and emoluments as per approved norms. Any savings in administrative expenses can be diverted to other categories but not vice versa. ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 34

35 Unit Cost Ceilings: The norms as laid down in these Guidelines have to be adhered to but in exceptional cases and for reasons to be recorded in writing, ATMA Governing Board (GB) may go beyond these ceilings by up to 10% without exceeding overall allocation. Similarly, IDWG can authorise relaxation of up to 15%. All such cases shall have to be reported in next year s Work Plan so that appropriate advisories can be issued. Any deviation of more than 15 % from the prescribed norms/ceilings or any activity not specified in the guidelines can be taken up by States only with the prior approval of DAC Support for ICT, Connectivity & Mobility: The modified ATMA Cafeteria has enhanced focus on use of Information Communication Technology (ICT). Experts of SAUs/ KVKs, BTMs and ATMs at Block will be available on mobile phone, to provide information of immediate importance to Farmer Friend, FIGs and farmers. SMS (Short Messaging Services) alerts on weather, incidence of pest and diseases and other crop related important matters are already being sent through the SMS Portal for Farmers. Basic IT infrastructure has been provided to SAMETI and ATMA under the Scheme. It has been and can be further supplemented under AGRISNET, NeGP-A, RKVY and other schemes. These equipment shall be fully utilized for extension related activities. In new SAMETIs/ ATMAs, requisite IT and other related equipment can be procured under AGRISNET / NeGP-A / RKVY schemes. The faculty members of SAMETI, officers of ATMA, BTMs and ATMs should be accessible on their cellular phones. A specific provision to ensure mobility and connectivity of the BTMs and ATMs has been kept in their emoluments. ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 35

36 3.3. MAIN ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE CAFETERIA: FARM SCHOOLS: Farm Schools provide the vital link between the progressive / achiever farmers and others in a village. Such farmers should be selected broadly adhering to transparent methodology of selection enunciated in Para These farmers would normally be the ones who have been accepted by other farmers as achiever farmers for their success in adoption of technologies, yield difference, and income raised in agriculture and other allied sectors. Some important points related to Farm Schools have been listed in Appendix-I to the ATMA Cafeteria. Cost norms for operationalising Farm Schools have been rationalized as given in Appendix-II. Ceilings fixed on individual items shall be adhered to. In order to have a visible impact and to ensure proper monitoring, cluster approach needs to be adopted by covering various Blocks in rotation every year DEMONSTRATIONS: It is necessary to follow a cluster approach in organization of demonstration plots within a block to have a discernible impact on the production of crops/ allied area. Further details regarding Farm School norms and selection criteria (by draw of lots after short-listing farmers based on location of their plots, size of holding, past track record etc.) have been given in Appendix-I to the Cafeteria. The norms for organizing demonstrations should be in line with the approved cost norms of National Food Security Mission (NFSM) in case of Rice/ wheat/ pulses and coarse grains. These have been given in the cafeteria FORMATION OF COMMODITY INTEREST GROUPS: I. CIGs should be promoted / mobilized for all major commodities (Size farmers). ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 36

37 II. FIG/CIG members should meet at least once in a month to discuss activities and to decide future course of action. III. BTT and BFAC shall monitor functioning of all CIGs on a regular basis. IV. CIGs at village level should be federated at block level and subsequently at district level into Farmer Producer Companies in keeping with the overall structure of Farmer Producer Organisations. V. CIGs should maintain proper register & records (commodity/ proceedings / savings / accounts). VI. To ensure household food and nutritional security, Farm Women s Food Security Groups at least 3 per block are to be formed each year. These FSGs are to be provided support for training, publication and access to ` per group. These FSGs should serve as Model Food Security Hubs through establishing kitchen garden, backyard poultry, goatery, animal husbandry & dairying, mushroom cultivation, etc Induction Training & Refresher Courses for Extension Workers: [given at A.2 (b) and (c ) of the Cafeteria] An Induction Course with an average duration of (6 days course + travel) needs to be organized at a cost of `1000 per day per participant as and when the BTMs & ATMs are recruited. Besides, a 3 day refresher course each year on (4 including travel) at the same cost as given above on transfer of skills in specific areas (based on crop predominance) and generalized knowledge in common crops, for extension functionaries under ATMA scheme should also be organized. ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 37

38 3.3.5 Joint Visits by Scientists and Extension Functionaries: In order to ensure proper mobility for field visits of the scientists accompanied by extension workers, funds have been provided for meeting the expenditure towards hiring of vehicles or POL, The number of field visits should increase gradually from about three visits per month to one visit per week in the last two years Incentive for Exemplary Extension Work: High quality services of extension workers need to be incentivized by providing cash incentives and awards. While selecting the person for award, three factors should be broadly considered. Firstly, percentage increases in productivity in a demonstration plot, secondly percentage reduction in gap between productivity in lab conditions and productivity in the field and thirdly income per unit area. The first factor will ensure that extension workers pay attention to even those farmers who have lagged behind in the region so far due to various socio economic reasons. The second factor will, of course, develop a benchmark for the area. Third factor will give boost to quality, reduce cost of production and establish firm linkages with the market. The third factor is particularly significant in case of non-food crops. It is proposed to have six awards (3 sets of first and second position) at District level each year. The awards will be worth ` and ` per award for 1 st and 2 nd position in each of the three season viz. Kharif, Rabi And Zaid. KVK scientists also can compete among themselves and with the officers related to Agricultural Extension with respect to Front Line Demonstrations and convergence activities with ATMAs carried out by them during the year. Approximately 50 KVK ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 38

39 Scientists/ Extension Officers will be sent every year for studying best extension practices and for undergoing trainings in premier institutions within India or abroad for which a sum of Rs.1 crore per year is earmarked. Besides the above awards, best PPP (Public Private Partnership) initiatives in the field of agriculture and allied area may be supported. An amount of ` 1 crore for this purpose is provided in the cafeteria which would gradually be increased to 3 crore in , and 5 crore in the last year of the Plan period. State Governments may send the proposals to GOI who would then select suitable proposals for funding after competitive biddings, if any. This total amount of Rs. 9 crore is in addition to similar PPP efforts that can be undertaken through the State Governments concerned as per the provisions of para within the Cafeteria provisions. Once the proposals are selected By GOI, states may undertake competitive bidding process in case there are more than one eligible parties for the same area (i.e. least cost for best or same results or alternatively on qualitycum-cost basis). 3.4 MAIN ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY DISSEMINATION (ITD) COMPONENT: Display Boards: Once the desired number of extension personnel are in place, it is necessary to ensure their outreach to the farmers on a periodical basis. For this purpose, Display boards are to be put up in all inhabited villages (5.92 lakh) in the country. From ATMA funds, at least 45% of the villages need to be covered. These display boards shall indicate the name of the extension ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 39

40 worker assigned to the Panchayat and his/her contact number. These Board will also contain broad details of main schemes (including their major components, eligibility, subsidy pattern etc.) applicable in that area. Besides Panchayat headquarters, the Display Boards can be alternatively put up in prominent places in various villages such as Fair Price Shops, Milk Cooperative Societies, PACs etc. All the display boards shall be in position by the penultimate year of the Plan period to ensure that the farmers know about contact details and visit roster of the extension workers to the designated villages for extension support to farmers. Visits of extension workers will also be monitored through Global Positioning System (GPS) as they would be carrying hand-held device during their village visit Pico/ Ultra-Light Portable Projector + Low Cost Films: Pico projectors (or alternatively ultra-light portable projectors) have been found to be very appropriate in rural areas and these are easier to operate without any laptop. 2 Pico Projectors per block are to be provided to field functionaries for disseminating best agricultural practices during the 12th Plan. These will be used by ATMA functionaries including BTMs & ATMs during their visits to villages. The low cost films would focus on specific themes and preferably directed by farmers themselves so as to have greater acceptability among the audience. Video need not be of broadcast quality but will have to be in High Definition Video formats such as.mp4 which can be easily played on laptops or projectors. These films will also be made available on the internet for display through e-panchayats and Common Service Centres and also for direct use. This task of showing agriculture related films and success stories will be performed by the ATMs. Existing ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 40

41 films in the DAC, ICAR, SAUs, States and non-government entities should also be used after dubbing in regional language Use Of Hand Held Devices: Use of hand-held devices for on the spot data entry and subsequent updation through voice recognition has been pilot tested with the collaboration of IIT, Chennai. Farm level planning and farmer empowerment using these technologies are being attempted on a pilot basis in two districts in Tamil Nadu. About 450 districts (i.e. 70% of all districts under ATMA) are to be covered by the end of 12 th Plan period. At least extension workers (average of about 45 units per district) in 400 districts are to be covered during the XII Five Year Plan. Estimated cost of a hand-held device is approximately ` with three years warranty per set at the time of formulation of NMAET. Additionally, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) charges of aprox. ` 5000 per annum per set (for about 2 GB monthly 3G data connection) is required. Backend data processing, contingency charges on recurring expenses and capital & recurring cost of an authentication device (biometric or magnetic reader to link it to National Population Register or to Unique ID) are also 25% of the hardware/software cost. In most places backend data processing cost can be met from NeGP-A and AGRISNET resources and number of devices can be increased to that extent. Considering paucity of funds, it is proposed to downscale this component to 50 % of the proposed numbers from ATMA funds. However, States may like ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 41

42 to take up additional numbers as required from other resources like from State s own funding or from RKVY funding, etc. The basic idea behind these electronically generated farm wise details is to ensure whether full yield potential of a crop has been achieved by the farmer (and what he needs to do to minimise the gap) and whether the farmers need to shift to some other crop. Gaps between the yield obtained and potential yield in that area and cost benefit ratio of better inputs (including irrigation) will also be conveyed while recording the data. Geographic Information System (GIS) based analysis of data shall be carried out for better macro level planning and also for micro level detailing for a village or even a field. Focus will be given on rain-fed areas where farmers get hit by vagaries of weather frequently. These devices will also be used to provide instantaneous online and offline information to farmers from the Farmers Portal and other similar services Kala Jathas, Certified Crop Advisors and Other Innovative Methods: Path-breaking and interesting methods such as Kala Jathas (road shows), Wall Posters, Extension Buses, Certified Crop Advisors etc. have been tried successfully in some States to deliver the message effectively and informally in an interactive manner. In addition to the sum of ` 25 lakh per State provided in the ATMA Cafeteria for this purpose, an additional sum of ` 5 lakh per district is provided for the purpose. The districts covered should increase gradually from 100 to 300 by the end of the 12 th plan period INVOLVEMENT OF AGRI - CLINICS & AGRI-BUSINESS ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 42

43 CENTRES AND DAESI TRAINEES Supplementary Manpower through ACABC: Assuming a growth rate of 5% in the trained agri-preneurs from onwards and a success rate which is progressively increasing, there will be approximately a total of ACABC ventures (including ventures established during 11 th Plan). These trained candidates should be involved in delivering extension services to the farmers Supplementary Manpower through DAESI: Another avenue for involvement of private entrepreneurs in extension related activities is Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers (DAESI). So far, 2130 input dealers have been trained by MANAGE and given diploma. In addition to this, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore has conducted a DAESI like programme on its own. some States like Orissa have subsidized this programme by providing ` 15,000 per candidate out of RKVY funds. This step of Orissa Government has proved successful. This programme should be up-scaled in the following manner assuming a batch size of 40: (i)100 courses by MANAGE facilitators = 4000 (40x100), (ii) 25 Agri Business Companies with 4 courses each = 4000, and (iii)100 courses by NGO/SAU/ICAR KVKs = (Thus, candidates would be trained each year). The training cost is proposed to be subsidized to the extent of ` 10,000 in case of (i) & (iii) and `5,000 in case of (ii) above. In those cases where Agri Business Companies are involved, cost sharing pattern would be 25:25:50 (Dealer: Government: Company). The funds would be released to SAMETI. ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 43

44 The PD, ATMA may prepare an inventory of agricultural graduates trained under the scheme of Agri-Clinics & Agri- Business Centres and the list of agri-entrepreneurs established in the district by browsing MANAGE website ( and DAESI trained input dealers. Agripreneurs and DAESI trained input dealers can be appointed as Volunteer Specialists to support Farmer Friends in taking up various activities in the villages under their control including smooth functioning of Farm Schools and in imparting skill based trainings. These agri-preneurs and DAESI trained input dealers should also act as para-extension workers 3.6. SETTING UP OF COMMUNITY RADIO STATIONS (CRSs) i. Community Radio Stations (CRS) have to be promoted in a big way to expand the reach of localised technologies to the farmers located within a radius of 20 to 50 Kilometers. ii. A total amount of ` 65 lakh (instead of existing `54 lakh) is proposed to be provided as assistance for this purpose. This enhancement is being suggested because the original norms were finalised in the year 2008 and then also cost of ` 2350 per hour of content creation was deemed to be low. Some NGOs and KVKs may also use innovative technologies meeting minimum system requirement or contribution from some private players to reduce the capital cost. At the same time, due to local constraints and nonavailability of paid advertisements, content creation cost may increase further. Therefore, a ceiling of `65 lakh of financial assistance for ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 44

45 setting up the Community Radio Station including capital cost and content creation cost for first 3 years has now been included. Subject to compliance of minimum technical specification for setting up of Community Radio Station, break-up of ` 65 lakh may be permitted to be changed from capital cost to recurring cost or recurring cost from one year to another. During the XII Five Year Plan, 1/3 rd of the districts, on an average should have a Community Radio Station per State. The amount earmarked for this purpose shall be `6 lakh per district subject to a minimum of `40 lakh per new CRS per year provided further that this would be the outer limit on aggregate amount for that year subject to break up of year wise of costs approved for that CRS. iii. Funding to private institutions along with Government and Quasi-government organizations for setting up Community Radio Stations (CRSs) can be considered. iv. Community based organizations, Agencies/NGOs registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860 or any other such Act and recognized by the Central Government /State Government and serving in Agriculture and allied areas including SAUs and /KVKs are eligible for funding. Registration at the time of application should be at least three years old. v. The willing Organizations should have basic infrastructure and facilities in the form of a room of about 400 sq. feet/ electricity/ necessary manpower to run and operate the CRSs. vi. ATMA MC of the District concerned may select Suitable proposal/s; recommend them to the Nodal Officer/ Commissioner of Agriculture of the concerned State for onward transmission to DAC through the competent.the IDWG having representation of SAU/ICAR Institutes/KVKs concerned so that the proposal are not referred again ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 45

46 to ICAR by I&B Ministry which causes a considerable delay in granting approvals. vii. The PD, ATMA would regularly review the performance of CRSs along with other activities with the BTMs. In addition, ATMA GB would review the performance in detail with regard to content creation, involvement of local community, suitability to local conditions, release/ utilization of funds for/by CRS and convergence & synergy with SAU/ KVKs. Detailed Guidelines for Funding of Community Radio Stations are available athttp://agricoop.nic.in/radiocguidelines.pdf ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 46

47 IV. OTHER OPERATIONAL MATTERS 4.1. OTHER OPERATIONAL MATTERS: Extent of coverage: The Scheme shall be implemented in all rural districts of the country except 12 districts of Assam which are presently covered under World Bank assistance. These districts will also be covered when World Bank support ceases In order to carry out the extension activities in difficult areas an additional 5% allocation for 227 districts(36% out of 618) in the difficult areas viz. Left wing affected districts, North Eastern and Hill States for field activities may be utilized Individual beneficiary oriented activities: (i) The Cafeteria of Activities contains some individual beneficiary oriented components as well. Some such activities (including training, demonstrations, farm schools, farmer-scientist interactions & exposure visits) have been culled out from the Cafeteria and summarized in Annexure-IV. (ii) Transparent and objective selection of beneficiaries is of paramount importance not only to generate confidence of the farmers in the Scheme but also to ensure that benefits of extension services get disseminated to all sections of the Society. Therefore, selection of beneficiaries should be done in the following manner: All Panchayats in a Block should be covered on a rotation basis under various components. The Panchayats to be covered in a year should be decided by the BTT in consultation with the BFAC. Activity mapping of Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) is at Annexure VII. ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 47

48 Number of beneficiaries of different categories including SC/ ST in shortlisted Panchayats will be decided by the BTT in consultation with BFAC so as to have a balanced coverage. At least 50% beneficiaries must be Small and Marginal Farmers and 30% beneficiaries should be women farmers / farm women. Individual beneficiaries of demonstration plots, inter-district & inter-state trainings within a Panchayat area and all farmer group beneficiaries should be selected by the respective Gram Sabhas or Gram Panchayats in consultation with FIGs and FOs working in the area, as the State Government may decide. However, if for some reasons, the list of beneficiaries is not finalized in the above manner within the stipulated time frame, the FAC in consultation with FIGs and FOs may select the beneficiaries for various activities under the scheme. If the list of beneficiaries is not finalized in time, the BFAC in consultation with FIGs & FOs may select the beneficiaries For rewards and incentives at different levels, beneficiaries may be identified by the States in a transparent manner.it should be ensured that no farmer gets double benefits of the same kind from different schemes. ATMA GUIDELINES, 2014 under NMAET Page 48